A skills development initiative aimed at enhancing technical and vocational education in South Africa has shown significant progress, with a 92% improvement in student trade test pass rates. The recently completed “Project for Capacity Development of Pilot TVET Colleges for Artisan,” led by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was implemented at Tshwane South College in Pretoria and Northlink College in Cape Town.
From February 18 to 19, 2025, DHET, JICA, and the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa (SEIFSA) hosted a two-day workshop at Tshwane South College. Facilitators from Centres of Specialisation (COS) gathered to discuss project outcomes, share experiences, and encourage more colleges to join the initiative.
DHET’s Chief Director of Special Projects, Sabelo Buthelezi, chaired the event, while SEIFSA provided insights into the role of the Qualification Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), sector education and training authorities (SETAs), and the National Occupational Curriculum Content (NOCC). The workshop also featured a presentation by Gerda Venter from the National Open Learning System (NOLS), who introduced JICA’s sub-training materials and their accessibility.
JICA’s Chief Representative, Okada Kaoru, commended the program’s impact, particularly in equipping facilitators with both technical and soft skills, with a strong focus on Fitting and Turning. He described the rise in student success rates as a key achievement. JICA’s Representative, Miyoshi Naonari, announced a follow-up project set to launch in 2025, aimed at refining TVET teaching methodologies and fostering knowledge exchange with neighboring countries.
